"It's mighty funny, but I feel like I used to when I was a little boy. I reckon I'm kind of scared—after all. Airie Tabor,—are you—here?"
"Yes, Mr. Arp."
"I thought—so—but I—I don't see very well—lately. I—wanted—to—know—to know—"
"Yes—to know?" She knelt close beside him.
"It's kind of—foolish," he whispered. "I just—wanted to know if you was still here. It—don't seem so lonesome now that I know."
She put her arm lightly about him and he smiled and was silent for a time. Then he struggled to rise upon his elbow, and they lifted him a little.
"It's hard to breathe," gasped the old man. "I'm pretty near—the big road. Joe Louden—"
"Yes?"
"You'd have been—willing—willing to change places with me—just now—when Airie—"
Joe laid his hand on his, and Eskew smiled again. "I thought so! And, Joe—"